January Favourites - Ft The Balm, Pixi, Peter Thomas Roth, Embryolisse and Seventeen

I literally cannot believe that January is already over, this month has gone incredibly quick as I've been out of my usual routine. I had a very extended Christmas break that gave me the opportunity to focus on my blog after a long, crazy, deadline stress induced gap. As I've been home a lot of the time, I've kept my make up this month very simple and have been spending more time on my skincare - apart from the addition of a great new budget mascara and a blush that I think I've worn almost every day.

The blush in question would be Frat Boy by The Balm, a medium coral pink with a subtle gold shimmer running through it. The blush is wonderfully soft in texture and well pigmented without being powdery. This creates such a healthy, natural looking flush on me when lightly dusted across the cheeks that I found myself reaching for it every day as it makes you look so radiant and lovely (something you need when it's mid January and the rain just never stops).

Seventeen is a brand that I never really pay to much attention to, but after seeing a glowing YouTube review of their Falsifeye HD Mascara I quickly picked one up. With its thin plastic brush (something I'm not usually that keen on) this mascara really reminds me of one of my all time favourites - Benefit's They're Real. More lengthening than volumizing, the formula beautifully extends, defines and separates my lashes. It's easily buildable if your after a fuller and more dramatic effect but is perfect for every day, especially if like me you hate spending too much on a mascara as they tend to need replacing regularly.

On to skincare, I just couldn't write this favourites post without mentioning the Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist. I've already mentioned this recently here, but as it has worked it's way into my daily routine this definitely has to be considered a favourite. This light, hydrating and delicately fragranced mist is perfect as a lunchtime make up refresher, or as it contains Hyaluronic Acid, an extra moisturising step in your routine.

I also discovered a new moisturiser this month in the form of cult classic Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentré. I never like to spend to much on fancy moisturisers, preferring to keep it simple and leave all the hard work to serums or oils. Boasted as a hero product by lots of celebrity and industry fans, this cream's light yet hydrating formula instantly soaks into the skin, leaving it plumped and calm. When used in the morning, it's velvety texture works perfectly to prep the skin for make up and I think I've noticed a positive effect on the staying power of my base.

Lastly is the Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask. As someone that loves a bit of instant gratification, I have a definite weakness for masks - in particular ones that deliver such noticeable results after the first use like this one does. Containing 'nature derived pumpkin enzymes' and a good dose of AHA's, this mask does a wonderful job at working through those dead skin cells to reveal smoother, evener and more radiant skin. The mask also contains Aluminum Oxide crystals that you could use for a bit of scrubbing action, but I prefer to just smooth this on and let the acids work their magic. Definitely not for the sensitive skinned, I find this is slightly on the more painful side of that tingly feeling associated with chemical exfoliants. My skin is a little red after use, but it's totally worth it for the instant results and the incredible pumpkin pie scent.

A serious resolution for this year is to try and keep posting twice a week (should be Mondays and Sundays) and not to let life/uni stress get in the way too much. Have you tried any of the products in this post? Let me know what your favourites this month have been in the comments!

October

It seems October literally went by in a flash and now the run up to Christmas has truly started (in my eyes anyway). For me this means favouring browny, autumnal looks this month and there are some nourishing skin care bits that I have completely fallen in love with. 

Starting with a new lip combination that I think I've worn all month long, MAC's Etcetera Liner & Naturally Transformed Lipstick. I find Naturally Transformed to be a tad too yellowy on my fairly pale skin tone, but paired with the slightly pinker hue of Etcetera they create the perfect beige nude. As much as I love MAC's Matte Lipsticks they tend to be pretty unforgiving, so definitely prep your lips with a balm! 

On the lids this month I've been loving Burberry's Sheer Eyeshadow in Pale Barley. A light, cool toned brown, this is one of those sweep and go shadows thats perfect for every day wear but also looks great for evenings - especially when paired with a orangey red lip! 

On dreary grey days my skin really benefits from some extra glow and theBalm's Mary-Loumanizer definitely delivers. This super pigmented, champagne toned highlight is definitely not as subtle as some others, but dusted lightly over the high points of your face it's still really wearable for daytime and is my favourite highlight for nights out! 

Aesop is one of my most loved skincare brands - if not only for their beautiful, apothecary style packaging, but also for the wonders that their products do for my skin. I've been a fan of the Parsley Seed Mask for years so it comes as no surprise that I love the Serum from the same line. The Serum is packed full of antioxidants, resulting in smooth, plump and nourished skin. When the first ingredient on the list is super moisturising and soothing Aloe Vera, you know it's going to be good! I've been using this morning and night and found a little goes a long way, although you get a huge 100ml of product for £45.00. 

The Charlotte Tilbury Goddess Skin Clay Mask is unlike others of its kind, claiming it 'Lifts, smoothes, brightens and tightens for baby skin'. I was definitely skeptical (especially for the price) but have to say this is unlike any other clay mask I own. My skin feels hydrated, super soft and plump, yet soothed and cleansed at the same time. Its a lovely quick fix for happier skin and a really welcome addition to my routine. 

Finally this month I've been loving a fragrance from Caudalíe. With notes of Rose, Grapefruit, Pink Peppercorn, Vanilla and Musks, Divin de Caudalíe is a warming, woody fragrance which is very relaxing in a spa like way. It shares the same scent as the Divine Oil and Candle, so if you love either of those then this is for you! 

What are your favourites this month? 

February

I know its only February and definitely not spring yet, but the few beautiful days of sun have made me hopeful that some warmer weather will come our way soon! I'm such a Summer person, I love winter for the Christmas/New Year build up and then I'm 100% done. This was a hard month to find favourites for if I'm honest, as I haven't really switched up any Skincare or body products and have been keeping my Make Up pretty simple.
The thing thats definitely new is foundation, I normally love a glowy, dewy finish but I've been using the Make Up For Ever HD Foundation all month long and have been really enjoying using something more matte. I think its because my skin has been feeling quite oily recently, but I love the flawless, medium coverage this gives that is perfect for nights out or photography.
You can really see that I've been loving a matte finish this month as the next product is a Powder by Bobbi Brown. The only area I usually powder is my T Zone and the Sheer Finish Pressed Powder in Pale Yellow is the perfect shade to brighten and subtly highlight the area while helping to keep my make up in place. It does a great job at preventing any concealer creasing under my eyes or on my lid, and keeps any unwanted shine at bay.
The brush I've been using for my powder is the Real Techniques Setting Brush, its small size is great for applying just a light dusting across the nose and forehead.
As I've been keeping my base really matte, obviously I've been amping up the highlighter to get that healthy looking glow. The Soap and Glory Love at First Blush is a gorgeous highlighting blush in a rosy pink shade. I've been dusting this across my apples and up the cheekbones as a blush and highlight all in one, before sweeping a little across my forehead to warm up the whole face.
I've never really been a hand cream addict before, its one of those products for me thats nice to use but usually gets seriously neglected in my routine. I got a little set of miniature L'Occitaine hand creams as a stocking filler at Christmas and have fallen in love with the Delightful Rose scent in particular. I find the hands is the place my tan starts to fade from the fastest, but using this has been helping to prolong the colour so I think a purchase of the full size is on the cards!

January

 January is such a dull month, its cold, Christmas is over and getting up in the mornings is a constant challenge until the weather starts warming up. Luckily, there have been some amazing products this month to help perk me up and make me actually look forward to doing my make up each morning!

Starting with the one skincare item this month, the Estēe Lauder Advanced Night Repair. I have been using this light, refreshing serum every night for the last month and have noticed an unbelievable change in my skin. It looks clear, bright and even in tone. I suffer with a lot of redness around my cheeks and nose this serum has really changed that. Can't see this leaving my skincare routine any time soon!

I love the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light, but its its Bronzy sibling Radiant Light that had my attention this month. With the same glowy, photogenic finish as Diffused Light, Radiant Light looks gorgeous to warm up your skin for a night out. What I love about it is that its subtle enough to use everywhere for an all over glow, or just on the cheekbones as a natural highlight. 

I've been experimenting with wearing slightly smokier eye looks recently, which has led me to completely fall in love with the M.A.C Pro Longwear Eyeshadow in Uninterrupted. A warm, mid brown shade - this is absolutely perfect for blending out darker colours, creating the perfect transition shade and giving the impression you have flawless blending skills... (I don't). This is also a really pretty shade worn in the crease or all over the lid for an easy day look that looks particularly lovely with Green eyes. 

A favourite I didn't expect to love quite as much as I do is the Nars Audacious Lipstick in Anna. A muted, mauve pink that is super brightening and suits me both when I'm tanned and pale. Theres just something about this shade that is so wearable but yet delivers the perfect pop of colour. The formula of the Audacious Lipsticks is also beautiful, really pigmented and they feel so creamy and nourishing!

And finally, this month I tried out the Benefit Gimme Brow - a product I was totally sure I didn't need. I use this over my Anastasia Beverly Hills DipBrow Pomade, I have to alter my brow shape far to much to ever be able to just use a Gel. Never the less, this product is addictive... I have the shade Blonde which sets my brows perfectly, keeping the hairs and colour in place for hours and just makes me feel done. This may be an unnecessary step to my routine, but definitely one I now can't live without. 

November

This month has seen some much colder weather, dreary rainy days, and the worst break out my skin has had ever.

I normally have pretty clear skin, maybe the odd blemish here and there but have always counted myself lucky I don't really have to be aware which products I'm using on my face in case one causes a break out. Well about halfway through the month, my skin turned a little bit crazy. I'm not too sure if it was caused by a product (was it you L'Oreal True Match?!) or if it is hormonal or stress related but the product that has been really helping to clear up my skin is the La Roche Posay Effeclar Duo [+].  I'm sure you've heard of this product as its had a lot of online attention, and I have owned a tube before, but until now I've never quite understood how amazing this treatment is. Its a really light
cream/serum texture and feels cooling and refreshing on the skin. I have been using this both morning and night and have found it actually makes a lovely base for make up. After the first few days of use, my skin felt calmer, clearer and all my blemishes were significantly reduced. My skin is now returning to normal, so i'm one very happy and relieved girl!

As much as I love my balm cleansers, my skin felt so congested that I wanted something more refreshing. I dug out my old tube of Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish, a cleanser that was much loved by pretty much everyone in the beauty community a few years ago. I used this for years before I got hooked on balm cleansers, and I've now really remembered why. The texture is creamy and feels moisturising on your skin, but leaves your skin feeling so clean and really soothed. It also contains Eucalyptus which is anti bacterial, great for when your skins playing up. 

Although this blog is fairly new, I think I've made it pretty clear that I love a highlighted, dewy looking completion. MAC Soft and Gentle Mineralise Skinfinish is a highlight powder I've used for years, and seems to have a pan that just keeps on giving. It's the most perfect champagne colour that is neither too peach or pink, and while there are no big chunks of glitter, its not too subtle either. I've been reaching for it loads this month as because of its neutral tone it looks amazing paired with any blush shade. 

The lip product that I have been reaching for all month is the Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Canvas.  When I have the time I love to define my lip shape with liner, and due to the thick matte texture and flexible applicator, this product allows you to create that sharp, defined look without having to use a pencil. It really is the perfect slap on and go product for me, as the matte formula also has great staying power. I have the shade Canvas, a rosy nude that naturally accentuates your lips. 

THE FAVOURITES - September

September has been an incredibly hectic month for me, what with moving out and starting University. For this reason, I have been reaching for trusty old products that I know work for me. I've seen a lot of people starting to fully embrace autumn with berry shades but personally I'm clinging on to Summer for as long as I can, so its still all radiant skin and nude nails over here I'm afraid!

Base wise, whats been slapped on my skin for most of this month is the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. Nothing perfects and evens out my skin tone like this gem, and whilst not as dewy as some of my other favourite foundations, this formula has a velvety, lit from within radiance that nothing else quite compares too. Add that to the fact it is long lasting and contains no SPF, and you've got your perfect day to night foundation.

I rediscovered my Kevin Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer at the beginning of the month, and it is all I've been using to conceal. I find this works best mixed with a little moisturiser, which is great as it allows you to control how much coverage you need for the area.

At the beginning of the month I repurchased one of my old favourite Mascaras, the 'Yves Saint Laurent Luxurious Mascara Shocking Volume' (and breathe...). I find this is one of those Mascaras which gets better with time, as it starts off a bit on the wet side for me, but once its dried out slightly its incredible at giving dramatic length and volume to my seriously lacking eyelashes. You can apply with care for a more natural, fluttery look, or go all out for a false lash effect.

There is one polish which hasn't left my nails for most of the month, and that is 'Glints of Glinda' by O.P.I. It is the perfect nude, with a high shine jelly consistency, which leaves your nails looking really neat and polished, with no real effort involved.

And finally, we have the Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette in 'The Golden Goddess'. I have been travelling a lot between home and university, and this palette has been so useful for creating neutral looks for both day and night. The shadows are all buttery in texture and really well pigmented, even the glitter shade has minimal fallout and is perfect for the evening. As with the whole Charlotte Tilbury range, the packaging is gorgeous, and really compact too.

 Hopefully next month there should be a favourites post packed with new products, as I'm getting the chance to try lots of new things through my course, which is very exciting!